第１３０７堀：知らないことは調べよう色々なことをして (Part2)
“Hey now, as a researcher yourself, you know better than anyone that things are never that convenient, right?”
They say research moves in leaps and bounds, but the idea of a sudden, effortless breakthrough is a fantasy. While a single spark can lead to a massive surge in progress, that spark is always preceded by a mountain of trial and error and exhaustive experimentation. I hadn’t expected Comet, of all people, to be the one suggesting otherwise.
“Ahaha, I know, I know. It’s just that ever since we teamed up with you, Yuki, new technology seems to pop up constantly.”
“Yeah, I have to agree. When we’re with you, it’s hard to keep our knowledge updated fast enough,” Agil added, nodding as she joined the conversation.
“It’s a fact that we’ve made more progress since you arrived than in all the years before, right?” Comet asked.
“That’s mostly down to the difference in basic technology—like measurement tools—and having a different perspective on things,” I replied.
The reason they hadn't found anything in previous surveys was a lack of foundational tech and a narrow field of vision. My contribution was simply applying what I already knew to bridge those gaps.
“Besides, this time we aren’t just gathering environmental data; we’re tracking the fluid movements of wild monsters. You can’t expect an easy answer for something like that.”
We were dealing with an entire ecosystem. Things changed over time. Our successes so far had come from measuring and utilizing what was immediately available. As for the root cause of the mana depletion phenomenon, we were still in the stage of merely gathering data. Everything else was just a byproduct.
“True. This kind of research takes… wait, monster movements…” Comet trailed off, her expression shifting from agreement to deep thought.
“Did you realize something?”
“Well, it just clicked. Your perspective comes from Earth’s knowledge, Yuki. Even if there aren't any 'monsters' there, maybe the way animals move could tell us something.”
“Oh, you’re right!” Agil clapped her hands together at Comet’s suggestion. “That was a total blind spot. I haven’t looked into zoology much because the ecosystems are so different.”
I understood their point, but I still felt that monsters and animals were fundamentally different. Then again, I’d heard stories about how habitats shift based on human activity, so I couldn't dismiss the idea entirely.
“Well, I’ll leave the judgment to you two. As far as materials go, feel free to order whatever you need within the budget.”
“Will do! On that note, Agil, can you give me a hand?”
“Sure. Our next departure is the day after tomorrow, so I hope we find something by then. Havia, Nilea, Wazfi—you’re helping too!”
“““Yes, ma’am!”””
It looked like they had a plan. There was no guarantee they’d find anything, but exploring different avenues is the essence of research. As I watched them dive into their work, a notification came through.
*“Big Brother? Do you have a moment?”*
“Ratz? What’s up?”
Ratz was supposed to be overseeing the experimental phase of the student exchange program.
*“The tests are finished, and we’re about to hold the report meeting. Could you sit in with us?”*
“That wasn't on the schedule. Did something go wrong?”
*“It’s the chaperoning teachers. They insisted that it would be better if you were present…”*
“Ah. Since I’m the one who brought the proposal to them, they want me there as the person in charge? Or are they just finding it hard to complain to you?”
*“Likely the latter. After all, to the outside world, we’re the ones holding Weed’s supplies and purse strings.”*
“So they’re worried that if they offend you, they’ll get cut off. Well, I suppose being a deterrent has its uses.”
*“It’s a blessing and a curse. I’d like you to be there to help navigate that dynamic during the report.”*
“Got it. I’m on my way.”
After sending the reply, I turned back to speak to Comet and the others, but…
“Lord Yuki… the two of them have already dashed off to the laboratory,” Oriel said with a look of profound apology.
“It’s fine, don’t worry about it. They’re research nuts. Let’s head back to Weed. We’re going to the school.”
“““Yes, sir!”””
I hoped there wouldn't be any major issues, but that was probably wishful thinking.
Investigation is vital. Asking people questions is good; looking things up in books is good. What matters is taking the initiative to move. To deepen one's understanding, action is the most important ingredient. Knowledge doesn't just grow on its own.
Whether the spark comes from a game or a manga, there is no shame in it—as long as it leads you toward the truth.